Gaven has successful operation on finger

January 22, 20108:06PM EST

SECAUCUS, N.J. - The MetroStars announced today that 18-year old midfielder Eddie Gaven underwent successful surgery on his left ring finger. The procedure, which was performed by Dr. Keith Raskin at NYU Medical Center, inserted screws into the three-year veteran's finger to stabilize the bone. He is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks.

Gaven suffered a displaced fracture of his left ring finger while playing for the U.S. U-20 team in the Suwon International Youth Football Tournament in Suwon, South Korea.

The Hamilton, NJ native had a very successful sophomore season with the MetroStars in 2004, tallying 21 points on seven goals and seven assists, garnering MLS Best XI honors and a starting position on the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Earlier this summer, Gaven also received his first national cap in an international friendly against Poland on July 11 when he entered the 1-1 game in the 82nd minute, making him the fourth youngest player in U.S. history to play in a senior national team game.

He played the full 90 minutes for the MetroStars in their 2005 season opener last Saturday, while wearing a cast which covered his left hand and part of his left arm.

The MetroStars will be back in action on Saturday, April 16 when they host the Kansas City Wizards at Giants Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET (TV: MSG, Spanish Radio: WADO 1280 AM).